We need your assistance coordinating the use of WiFi (wireless - 802.11a/b/g/n) within the Centergy building. WiFi is currently unusable in many areas of the building because there are so many wireless access points within close proximity to one another. Many of these Access Points are configured in ways that cause them to interfere with one another which causes connectivity and performance issues for all wireless users.

Below you will find some basic guidelines for configuration of your 802.11 access points (sometimes called a wireless router), that will help to improve this situation for all building occupants. Taking these voluntary steps will improve your performance and the performance of other wireless users adjacent to you.

Turn off dynamic channel selection

Only use 802.11b/g channels 1,6, or 11, all other channels overlap with these three channels, causing interference.

Avoid channel bonding (40Mhz Channels w/802.11n) in the 2.4Ghz band.

Place your access point central to the location you would like to cover.

Lower the power level on your access point so that the signal only reaches the area you need to cover.

Avoiding the use of pre-standard or proprietary wireless products and features (ex: “speed booster”, “turbo”, etc.)

Limit the use of other interfering devices in the 2.4Ghz and 5.8Ghz frequency range (cordless phones, Bluetooth, ZigBee, Z-wave, etc…)

Pick a channel where other access point signals are less than -85dBm (15% for iStumbler) or as low as possible.

Use 5.8GHz capable access points (802.11a or dual-band 802.11n, etc) because there are more free channels and the signals don't carry as far. If you can, disable any 2.4GHz radios on your access points and rely upon 5.8GHz. Be aware, some devices are not capable of 5.8GHz but most modern laptops, iPhone5, and newer iPads are. Refer to your product documentation.

Turn off wireless access points when not in use (on the weekends, after 5PM, etc.)

If you need assistance with configuration/use of your devices or have questions about any of the above recommendations, please submit a help request to lawn-support@gatech.edu and we will be glad to get you in contact with building support.

Please contribute to the forums on this page to communicate feedback based on your experiences, including working and non-working configurations/features. Send other feedback to lawn-feedback@lists.gatech.edu

Please note that the forums are not
meant as a replacement for the official OIT help system ServiceDesk (which
can be reached via email, support@oit.gatech.edu, or via the phone at 404-894-7173).